What we offer

Outline

Wesley Financial Counselling is a free, face-to-face, confidential counselling service. We offer counselling and support to people dealing with the emotional trauma and distress caused by financial crisis. It is a comprehensive, specialist counselling service that provides assistance toward gaining financial independence but does not lend money. We offer one-on-one financial counselling, ongoing casework services and consumer education.

Personal budget planner

Aims

provide a professional, high quality service for people facing financial difficulties

alleviate the stress of dealing with what can often appear to be an overwhelming financial problem by acting as an advocate for people

help overcome negative feelings resulting from debt

help people avoid bankruptcy by looking at all possible options

enhance financial independence and assist people to better manage their own financial situations

promote and foster financial literacy for individuals and the broader community

assist small businesses in financial crisis

participate in the process of bringing about social change through legislative reform

encourage and advocate for ethical finance industry practices.

How we work

Our Financial Counsellors generally work face-to-face with people to draw up a personal money plan which takes into account:

income

total living costs

options for possible expenditure reductions

possible debt repayment strategies.

The Wesley Financial Counselling approach involves initially trying to stabilise the financial situation by approaching creditors and seeking a moratorium on payments together with a freeze on interest, while at the same time preparing a repayment scheme for the creditor’s consideration.

If the creditor has commenced legal action, Wesley Financial Counselling can advise and assist clients in preparing and lodging the appropriate documents and, if necessary, provide a referral to legal services.

Philosophy of care

Wesley Financial Counselling’s philosophy combines counselling, assistance and self-help. By providing support, we enable people to become as independent as possible and ultimately take charge of their own financial situation.

Consumer Education Service

Wesley Financial Counselling’s Consumer Education Service helps individuals to make informed choices on money matters. The service is available to the general public and includes workshops, training and training materials.

Participants include individuals who are experiencing financial hardship and stress, as well as those who are interested in financial issues facing our community such as other Financial Counsellors and representatives from community centres, correctional centres, refuges and churches.